Assistant Professor of Food Science – Food Innovation

##

Position Title:

Assistant Professor of Food Science – Food Innovation## Appointment Type:

Faculty##

Job Description:

** Position Description
** The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-eligible faculty position in Food Innovation at the rank of Assistant Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

This position will provide leadership for Extension, outreach, and applied research that supports food product development and ingredient innovation in the state of Iowa. The successful candidate will work closely with Iowa’s food and ingredient companies and economic development partners to help grow and strengthen Iowa’s food industry. The position also includes contributions to the department’s research mission.## ##
** Summary of

Duties and Responsibilities:

**** Extension (55%)
*** Develop and lead a statewide extension program in Food Innovation, in alignment with ISU Extension and Outreach priorities, focused on ingredient innovation and food product development from concept through commercialization.
* Engage with Iowa food and ingredient companies, entrepreneurs, and commodity groups to identify needs and co-create educational and service activities (e.g., workshops, short courses, technical assistance).
* Coordinate with campus partners (e.g., Food Innovation and Business Hub, Center for Crops Utilization Research, CIRAS) and faculty in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition to support innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development in the food sector.
* Create and disseminate extension resources (e.g., fact sheets, webinars, podcasts, digital content, best-practice guides) for industry and community stakeholders.
** Research (40%)
** Establish an independent research program that aligns with and supports Extension activities. Potential focus areas include (but are not limited to):
* Ingredient functionality and formulation
* Product and process innovation for value-added foods
* Sensory evaluation and consumer insights
* Shelf-life, quality, and stability of new products

Lead research projects

Secure external funding to support research

Mentor graduate students and contribute to student professional development.

Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific and industry conferences.
** Service (5%)
*** Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession, including committee work and professional society engagement.##
** Required

Minimum Qualifications:

*** Ph.D. in Food Science or a closely related discipline. The degree must be conferred by the time of appointment.
* Research experience evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals##
*
* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Post-doctoral and/or industry experience in food product development, ingredient development, or closely related R&D or technical roles.
* Demonstrated understanding and experience in developing extension programs, including needs assessment, curriculum development, educational resource development, and impact measurement.
* Demonstrated experience delivering training, developing educational resources, and providing technical assistance.
* Demonstrated success in initiating and maintaining collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders to launch products or solve technical challenges.
* Demonstrated potential to establish a successful, impactful research program in Food Innovation.
* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.*## ##
** Department/Program & College

Description:

** The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University is renowned nationally and internationally with a strong focus on research, teaching, and extension. The Department offers comprehensive undergraduate programs in Food Science, Culinary Food Science, Nutritional Science, Dietetics, Diet and Exercise, and Nursing. It also provides graduate programs in Food Science and Technology, Dietetics, and Diet and Exercise, and supports interdepartmental graduate programs in…